a veiled reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a veiled reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is mentioned indirectly or subtly, without being explicit. Example: "In her speech, she made a veiled reference to the recent scandal, hinting at the issues without naming anyone directly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During his confirmation hearing earlier this year, Mr. Brennan made a veiled reference to this criticism.

The New York Times

Was that a veiled reference to age? No, Mr. Obama said today.

The New York Times

He then seemingly made a veiled reference to Ms. Díaz Santillán.

The New York Times

Queen Elizabeth is supposed to remain neutral, but some saw a veiled reference to Brexit in a recent speech.

The New York Times

Apple made a veiled reference to this arrangement as early as February in a Form 10-Q.

The New York Times

It sounded like a veiled reference to the nickname "Tricky Dick" used by some of Nixon's critics.

The New York Times

The jest was a veiled reference to the fact Clinton aides deleted more than 30,000 emails from her server.

The Guardian

That was a veiled reference to Peterson, who sprinkled his teachings with lively analogies and Eastern philosophy.

The New York Times - Sports

I think this was a veiled reference to the ethics he sometimes encountered in his "third career".

The Guardian

Even so, Abe made only a veiled reference to the issue while steering clear of the actual term "comfort women".

The Guardian

In a veiled reference to the Clinton administration, Ms. Rice said "these are problems that developed in 1990's".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience's ability to understand the "veiled reference". If the context isn't clear, the reference may be lost or misunderstood.

Common error

Avoid making too many "veiled references" in your writing. Overuse can make your writing seem evasive or unclear. Balance subtlety with clarity to ensure your message is effectively communicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a veiled reference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "made a veiled reference"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies an indirect or subtle mention of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a veiled reference" is a noun phrase employed to denote an indirect or subtle mention, frequently used for diplomacy, tact, or intrigue. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts. The phrase finds its strongest presence in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business settings. To add subtlety to your speech, consider alternatives like "an indirect allusion" or "a subtle hint". Just remember to balance subtlety with clarity to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indirect allusion

This alternative uses "allusion" instead of "reference", highlighting the indirect nature of the mention.

a subtle hint

Replaces "reference" with "hint", emphasizing the understated nature of the communication.

an implicit suggestion

This phrase conveys a slightly stronger sense of something being implied rather than directly stated.

a tacit implication

Similar to "implicit suggestion", but "tacit" suggests something understood without being openly expressed.

a coded message

Implies that the reference is intentionally obscured, requiring interpretation to understand.

an oblique remark

"Oblique" emphasizes the indirect and roundabout nature of the comment.

a roundabout statement

Highlights the indirectness of the statement, suggesting it avoids directness.

an understated mention

Emphasizes the subtle and restrained nature of the reference.

a delicate insinuation

Suggests the reference is carefully made to avoid being too overt or offensive.

a knowing wink

This idiom conveys a sense of shared understanding and subtle communication.

FAQs

How can I use "a veiled reference" in a sentence?

You can use "a veiled reference" to indicate an indirect mention. For example: "The politician made "a veiled reference" to his opponent's past mistakes during the debate."

What's a good alternative to "a veiled reference"?

Alternatives include "an indirect allusion", "a subtle hint", or "an implicit suggestion", depending on the context.

What does "a veiled reference" imply?

It implies that something is being hinted at or alluded to, but not directly stated. The speaker or writer is being indirect, perhaps to avoid being too explicit or to add a layer of intrigue.

When is it appropriate to use "a veiled reference"?

It's appropriate when you want to be subtle or diplomatic, or when you want to invite your audience to interpret the meaning for themselves. However, ensure the context provides enough clues for the reference to be understood.